U.S. Olympic freestyle skier Jeret "Speedy" Peterson was found dead in Utah on Monday due to a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head.

The three-time Olympian called 911 to notify police where his body would be found before ending his life in a remote canyon off of Interstate 80 near Salt Lake City.

Sadly, it seems this was the end of a lifelong struggle for the 29-year-old who battled alcoholism, gambling and depression throughout his life.

Despite his demons, Peterson was a true innovator in freestyle skiing and won a silver medal in 2010 at Vancouver with a bold five-twist and three-flip aerial maneuver called the "Hurricane."

Obviously, the skiing community was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about his death. U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said:

"The entire Olympic family is heartbroken to hear the news of Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson's untimely passing. I know Speedy's friends and family were incredibly proud of his effort in Vancouver, and his achievements were an inspiration to people all over the world."

Our hearts go out to his friends and family who knew him best, but we'd like to take this opportunity to remind readers that suicide is NEVER the answer.

If you're experiencing troubling thoughts that may be pushing you toward ending your own life, please get HELP!